The Grooming Needs Of Yorkshire Terriers

Posted by Snoop Dog | Cat and Dog | Wednesday 30 July 2008 6:42 am

One of the most identifiable and beautiful traits of the Yorkshire Terrier breed is its long flowing silky coat. While this luxurious coat is what makes Yorkies so attractive to many dog lovers looking for the perfect family pet, it can also be a hassle to care for. But with proper grooming and attention, you can ensure that your Yorkie remains looking spiffy at all times.

The first grooming factor that you should consider before deciding to purchase a Yorkie is the fact that in addition to daily grooming, Yorkshire Terriers need to be professionally groomed on a regular basis. Yes, professional grooming can be expensive. Expect to spend anywhere from $30 to $75 per visit. If you are not in a position to afford professional grooming services or if your lifestyle is so harried that you couldn’t take the time to transport your Yorkie to and from his or her appointments, perhaps you should consider a dog breed that does not require this amount of dedication to grooming.

How often you need to take your Yorkie to the groomers will depend on how long you wish to keep his or her coat. Most show dogs have floor-length manes and require frequent grooming and combing, but some pet owners opt to have their Yorkie’s hair clipped short, which reduces the time spent grooming at home in between appointments. A good time frame to stick to is scheduling professional grooming appointments monthly for long hair and every other month for short hair.

One great thing about the Yorkie’s coat is that is does not shed and does not have an undercoat. In fact, the hair found on a Yorkie is almost identical to human hair. This is great for people with allergies and for people who can’t stand to have dog hair around the home. The downside is that the hair can become extremely long and needs an occasional clipping. The Yorkie coat can also become easily matted, and just as you comb your hair everyday, so will you have to comb your Yorkie.

When combing your Yorkie, it is best to use a wide-toothed grooming comb. Abstain from using brushes, especially natural bristle brushes, as they will break the fine hairs of the Yorkshire Terrier’s coat. Make combing your pet a part of your daily routine. By getting out snares and mattes quickly, you will avoid damaging the coat or having to cut out nasty snarls.

Another problem that requires daily attention is the tendency of the hair surrounding the anus to become matted with feces. If you take your Yorkie to the groomers regularly, this should not be much of a problem because he or she will clip the hair in this area very short and clean it thoroughly. But if left long, it can become matted and result in soreness, compacted stools and more serious health problems. In addition to regular grooming, you should check this area daily and clean or clip any mattes.

While your Yorkie is under six months in age, you should take great care to keep the hair on the top 1/3 of his or her ears clipped. Yorkshire Terrier ears are naturally erect but often go through changes during the first six months of life. By keeping the hair on the ears short, you can ensure that the ears will not become weighted down before they have a chance to set in their permanent erect position. You should also keep the hair inside the ears neatly plucked and check the ears regularly for excessive wax and ear mites.

Yorkies eyes also have a tendency to water and to be sensitive. Make sure that you keep hair clipped short around the eyes or tied in a topknot up and way from the eyes. Avoiding doing this can result in irritation and infection.

While the Yorkie does take a little more loving care than other breeds, nothing compares to the gentle, loyal love that these dogs give. On top of that, keeping your Yorkshire Terrier properly groomed gives you an opportunity to spend quality time with your pet. For many pet lovers, this is the reason that grooming is not a chore but a privilege.

By Rose Lenk
For more yorkie information and articles visit Pro Yorkie

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Dog Obedience Training

Posted by Snoop Dog | Cat and Dog | Wednesday 30 July 2008 6:09 am

There are many reasons that you should consider obedience training. One of the most important is that you do not want your beloved pet to control you. When your dog is trained, he will be much happier for the sheer fact you will have to place fewer restrictions on them because they know the rules. The more your dog is dependable, the more freedom you can give to them. It is nice to have a well-behaved dog in your home when you have company over. When they are trained, they will not go and jump all over your guests. You can tell them to go to their spot and they will.

When you take the time and effort to train your dog you strengthen the relationship between both of you. You build communication, understanding, and mutual respect. Training your dog subtly but efficiently establishes to your dog that you are the leader and they are not. It is extremely vital that your dog sees you as the Alpha dog. When you decide to begin obedience training, you may also be saving your dogs life. Obedience training provides the dog owner with the voice control necessary to prevent potential tragedies.

If your dog were to suddenly find something of great interest and there were oncoming traffic, you would be able effectively to lead him across the street safely without the worry that he may have been hit by a vehicle. If your dog, on the other hand, did not heed your commands tragedy may have occurred. There are many potential situations where you can keep your dog safe with effective obedience training.

Here are a few tips to obedience training:

  • It is best to begin early when they are puppies. Although simply because your do is older does not mean they cannot be trained. The only obstacle you face is that they have their habits longer and it may take more effort and time to achieve the results you are looking for. However, the training is well worth any effort you put in to it.
  • When training your dog use positive humane methods. Keep the sessions upbeat so that the training is enjoyable for both you and your dog. Your dog can sense your emotions and if you are becoming frustrated and agitated, they will respond to your emotions instead of your training methods.
  • How your dog responds to you while you are in the home is a good indication of how he will respond to you while you are outside. The distractions within a home are minimal, once he gets outside you stand no chance of keeping his attention.
  • When you give your dog commands, make sure that you can enforce them. If you cannot they will learn quickly that when you give a command it is optional rather than expected.
  • When you are giving your dog a command, it should be only one command with one response (a gentle enforcement, if necessary). If you tell your dog to stay and repeat it several times, your dog will tune you out. The most effective method is to tell your dog to stay, for example, and then gently lure them into sitting position, and then praise them. This sequence should be repeated to achieve the desired results.
  • When training your dog stay away from combined commands such as sit-down. They do not understand this. Say either sit or down. Using both words will only confuse them and they will not do either one. Keep your commands simple to achieve maximum results.
  • When giving your dog commands it is not necessary to use a loud voice or to yell at them. Using a calm voice with authority is enough.

Remember, your dog will understand you when you give clear, simple commands and reward with praise and treats.

Zahid N. Sindhu is a dog enthusiast who, after noticing the lack of an online resource for dog lovers in Pakistan, decided to launch http://www.DogsPK.com The site features a comprehensive list of breeds, breeders, veterinarians and online classifieds. The site also has a forum where people meet to discuss their canine friends.

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Is The Yorkshire Terrier The Right Type Of Dog For You?

Posted by Snoop Dog | Cat and Dog | Wednesday 30 July 2008 5:15 am

Around the mid 19th century unemployed Scottish workers moved south in search of work, and they brought their little dogs with them. Cross breeding them with local terriers produced a dog capable of catching and killing the rats that infested the local mines and cotton mills. That dog first appeared at a bench show as a broken-haired Scotch Terrier in the early 1860′s. This fledgling breed finally became known as the Yorkshire Terrier in 1870–The little ratters journey towards world popularity had begun.

Within a decade the Yorkie had clambered out of the gloom of the mines, and in to the lap of the most wealthy women in England. The Yorkshire Terrier quickly became the ultimate Victorian fashion accessory. Either carried in the crook of a Socialite’s arm, or peeping out from her chic handbag. The Yorkie was quickly embraced by American fanciers and was classified by the American Kennel Club as a member of the Toy Group. The breed standard requires the Yorkie to weigh no more than seven pounds, but no minimum weight is indicated. Dogs as light as one pound have been bred. But, as most responsible breeders point out, when dogs are bred to this size their health is being put at risk.

The Yorkshire Terrier has a long, silky, flowing coat of dark steel blue that parts along the spine to cover the body and tail. The head and legs are tan colored. Eyes are dark, and sparkle with intelligence, and the tail is usually docked to a medium length.

The Yorkie and apartment life go together well. A yard for him to explore and romp in would be nice, but he can live without it. Don’t forget to give him a daily walk though. He needs his exercise as much as the next dog, even though he may be a fraction of their size. This is a very playful and sociable breed. They enjoy family activity, and want to be right in the middle of it. If you have young children you need to be careful. Tough as the Yorkie is, he is tiny, and rough play could end in a serious injury.

Yorkshire Terriers usually get along well with dogs and other pets, but they can be attention seekers, and consequently demanding. Some Yorkies can be stubborn, but they also like to please their owners. You should take advantage of this trait by starting to train your puppy from day one. Socializiation is equally important. Try to attend your local obedience classes with him. This will help him to get used to other dogs, people, and situations. It’s also an opportunity for you to meet new people and their dogs.

Yorkshire Terriers are a relatively healthy dog breed. Although, retained baby teeth, hernias and hypoglycemia can be problem areas. Feeding your Yorkie will not break the bank. They do not have the most robust digestive systems, so do tread carefully with his diet. Feeding dry food will keep his teeth in a better condition, than if you feed him on canned food. You can mix the two feeds until you find the best blend. Most Yorkies need regular brushing and combing to keep their coats in good condition, and to prevent matting. Dogs with very silky coats need slightly less grooming. You also need to brush your dogs teeth frequently, to alleviate the problem of early tooth decay that this breed is prone to. The well bred and socialized Yorkshire Terrier is a pleasure to own. Of course, the Yorkie has its flaws like all dog breeds, but as a loyal and affectionate companion it has few rivals.

Andy Matthews is the best friend of Suki, a 2 year old Cocker Spaniel, who has tirelessly built from scratch http://www.top-dogs-names.com. Check it out its kind of unique!.

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Dog Agility Training

Posted by Snoop Dog | Cat and Dog | Wednesday 30 July 2008 4:59 am

During the competition, the dogs show how they are in charge of their movements and their skill as they navigate around a path, without a leash, in positions that necessitate unexpected changes and levels of complexity. The contests have specific obstacles, grading, and measures they anticipate from each of the dogs that have entered. To receive outstanding marks for your dog, you need to be completely prepared prior to the day of the competition. The goal of a competition is for the dogs to prove to the judges and their trainers their responsiveness. You will want to spend time readying your dog in the areas of nimbleness physically (he will need to this for quick movements through weaving), self-control, and fortitude. You and your dog will need to develop an excellent team-working relationship so the dog’s ability to listen to your commands (or hand signals) is paramount to success in this sport.

You can begin training your dog for this sport as early as puppy stage (around four months old). Training during this time is more like playing and that is what the dogs like the most anyway. You never want to make the puppies jump over poles as their bones are not strong enough, but you can begin teaching them the general idea by having them cross over a pole on the ground and as they grow begin raising it until they are at competition level. Puppies love to run – in and through everything – so training them to go through tunnels is actually quite easy. As you are training your puppies to learn basic commands you can incorporate those same commands to get them through the tunnels. This same principal applies to teaching them how to lie down on the table. They will learn the quickness of the table early. You can use a touch stick to begin introducing the aspect of weaving through the poles to the puppies (they love any type of activity where they can move). Puppies are so enthusiastic to learn and so happy to please. They pick things up fast. Once a puppy learns an obstacle, they will not forget it. Another advantage to teaching the obstacles of an agility sport to the puppies is the socialization they are getting with each other.

During an agility competition the dog and their handler move from each consecutive course, the difficulty increases. The advanced courses entail split-second timing for the dog to complete the course within the established time frame. If you are worried for the protection of your dog, you can relax because each barrier has been carefully considered with the safety of the dogs as well as the amusement of those who are watching. Agility competitions are fun for the dogs, trainers, and spectators. They are a great way to show everyone how agile your dog is as you leads him through various obstacles,

Agility trials are open to all dogs. Dogs of medium build that come from breeds and/or lines of breeding that have maintained their original working abilities have a tendency to be the most undefeated in agility competitions. However, no one breed dominates agility trials. Because of the athletic demands of the sport, dogs that are less agile are rarely seen or successful in the forms of the sport conforming to international rules. This applies mainly to the larger, giant breeds and to some degree the short-legged, long backed breeds.

For those who love dogs and love competitions this is a great sport to become involved with. You can cheer and support your favorite dog or simply enjoy watching the dogs as they show the judges their best.

Zahid N. Sindhu is a dog enthusiast who, after noticing the lack of an online resource for dog lovers in Pakistan, decided to launch http://www.DogsPK.com The site features a comprehensive list of breeds, breeders, veterinarians and online classifieds. The site also has a forum where people meet to discuss their canine friends.

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&quotHybrid&quot Dog Isn’t That Just Another Word For Mutt?

Posted by Snoop Dog | Cat and Dog | Wednesday 30 July 2008 4:49 am

Every day we hear more about the new hybrid dogs, or designer dogs. Each feature is accompanied by pictures of adorable puppies that are examples of this new breed.

Of course theyre cute! All puppies are! Should you pay hundreds, and in some cases, thousands of dollars for one? Certainly not! The offspring of a mating between two purebred dogs of different breeds is a mongrel, a mutt. And if you have one, you should love it, train it and care for it as if it had the bluest blood of the canine kingdom.

Every dog breed, and there are hundreds in the world, was created by humans. Each breed was developed for a specific purpose whether that original job was guarding the flock or being the ideal lap-dog. Theres no reason that development shouldnt continue. If there is a need for a dog with particular characteristics, enterprising individuals will come forward to fill that need.

However, it takes many generations to breed true. Compare yourself to your siblings. Do you all have the same looks, same personality, same interests and strengths? Chances are, you dont. Each of you has some of the best traits of your parents. But those may not be the same traits. And each of you has some of the worst.

Two of the best-known mixed-breeds out there now are the Golden Doodle and the Puggle. The thinking behind these crosses is fairly obvious: wouldnt it be nice to have a Golden Retrievers personality and willingness to please combined with the Poodles non-shedding coat and intelligence? Wouldnt it be equally delightful to have a small dog without the breathing issues of a Pug, but quieter than a Beagle?

But there is no way of knowing you wont get a high-strung, noisy, stubborn, slobbering mutt who sheds like the dickens!

If you are considering spending the kind of money that these hybrids are commanding, be sure to research all of the traits of the contributing breeds. You will get a mixture of the two. And an equally adorable mixture may be waiting for you at your local shelter the size you want, with the coat you want and the adorable face that melts your heart.

If you require certain characteristics in your puppy whether a family member has allergies, or you have a very small, or no yard, or your household requires a quiet, easy keeper, or if you wish to fully participate in the world of canine competition, consider a pure-bred animal. There are over 150 breeds recognized by the American Kennel Club. Research them at www.akc.org. Surely one of them is right for you.

Hope Saidel is the co-owner of http://www.GollyGear.com, a bricks-and-mortar and online small dog shop featuring fun, affordable and practical products for small dogs. She has trained and competed in Obedience with small dogs for over a decade and is on the Board of Directors of the North Shore Dog Training Club.

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Dog Health Problems

Posted by Snoop Dog | Cat and Dog | Wednesday 30 July 2008 1:14 am

Dog owners, beware! There are reports that grape and raisin are poisonous for dogs when taken in large amounts.

There was a letter in the AVMA Journal from Dr. Gwaltney-Brant at ASPCA Animal Poison and Control Center that talked about grape and raisin poisoning in dogs. Two dogs died at once from toxicity, three were put to death because of poor response to treatment, while five dogs were able to survive

Grapes and raisins may come from various sources including being eaten directly off the vine. The dog then exhibits gastrointestinal problems such as vomiting and diarrhea. Signs of kidney failure with the onset of severe signs of kidney malfunction occur some twenty-four hours after the dog ingested raisins and/or grapes.

Veterinarians advocate aggressive treatment for dogs that have ingested excessive amount of grapes and raisins. These include inducing vomiting, stomach pumping, and feeding charcoal followed by intravenous fluid for at least two days or as indicated, based on the blood tests for kidney damage. The amount of grapes eaten can vary from nine ounces to two pounds, which works out to be between 0.41 and 1.1 oz/kg of body weight.

Grapes and raisins are examples of ingredients that should be avoided by dogs since they have been proven to cause renal failure. Another ingredient that should never be eaten by dogs is onions. A lot of dog owners feel that onion is a great flavor enhancer but ingesting onions even in small doses can make dogs susceptible to certain strands of anemia. Smaller dogs are especially prone to this condition after eating onions.

There are lots of dog treats that may be taken by dogs that will not be harmful to their health. It is important for dog lovers to realize that even seemingly harmless ingredients can be fatal to their dogs.

Dog Health provides detailed information on Dog Health, Dog Health Problems, Dog Health Questions, Dog Health Care and more. Dog Health is affiliated with Small Dog Houses.

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Aquarium Ich: Ichthyophthirius Multifilis And Cryptocaryon Irritans Diagnosis And Treatment

Posted by Snoop Dog | Cat and Dog | Tuesday 29 July 2008 9:15 pm

Ich, also called white spot disease, is one of the most common protozoan infections affecting aquarium and pond fishes. The scientific name for freshwater ich is Ichthyophthirius multifilis. The marine protozoan causing ich is Cryptocaryon irritans. Both organisms cause whitish spots, called cysts, to appear on the bodies and fins of the infested fishes.

DIAGNOSIS: The usual way of diagnosing ich is by close observation of the infected fishes. The presence of small, (.5 to 1.0 mm) white dots (kind of like salt) scattered about on the fishes’ skin. This is most easily observed around the tail or fins (especially if the fins normally clear). You can check this out by removing one of the spots and observing it under a microscope. Ich has a small micronucleus and a prominent crescent-shaped macronucleus.

LIFE CYCLE: Ich is most often introduced into the aquarium or pond by adding new fishes or aquatic plants. Tomites which have only recently attached themselves to the host will not be readily visible. It is good aquarium and pond keeping practice to isolate any new fishes for at least four days under close observation. For tropical fishes, maintain a temperature of around 75 F (24 C). Check carefully for the presence of any tell-tale white spots appearing on the skin of the fishes and treat them accordingly. If no white spots are observed on tropical fishes within four days at this temperature, they can be moved from isolation. Remember, fishes maintained at cooler water temperatures (such as pond fishes) will require longer isolation times. The visible stages of Ich are carried out within the host fishes’ skin. The first stages are called trophozoites and are highly resistant to drug therapy. Trophozoites mature into trophonts and leave the host, falling to the bottom of the aquarium or pond. These mature trophonts release from 200 to 1,000 tomtits. These tomites move about looking for a host, which they must find within 2 to 3 days at 75 F (24 C) or they will die. Cooler temperatures will lengthen this time. It is this free swimming stage that is most vulnerable to treatment. It is important to note that these intermediate stages may also attach themselves to plants and be accidentally introduced into an aquarium or pond along with the new plants. Once the tomite attaches to the host, it matures and the cycle begins anew. The parasite forms a nodule under the skin or gill epithelium of the fish host. It constantly turns and moves under the skin, feeding on destroyed cells and body fluids. It continues to feed on the cells until it matures, causing damage to the skin tissue. This leads to osmotic stress, resulting in secondary bacterial or fungal infections.

PREVENTION: As in many parasite-caused diseases the fish must be sufficiently stressed and susceptible to the parasite. Also, the parasites must be present in the aquatic environment. It is not uncommon for an aquarium population to have a low-level of ich infestation present but not be showing any signs of the disease. Then, once a new fish is placed into the system it develops the disease. Fish can sometimes carry the parasite and not actually be diseased. These carriers can shed the parasite into a new aquarium into which it is placed. If the fish in the new aquarium have never been exposed to the parasite, and they become stressed, they can develop the disease. The health aquatic environment can play a major role in susceptibility to the ich parasites. High ammonia and nitrites severely stress a fish. Also long term nitrates above 50 ppm in freshwater or 30 ppm in saltwater can weaken the immune system in fish. Calcium is also often forgotten as an essential to fish health (including soft water fish such as Discus). Without calcium fish cannot carry out many osmotic functions and are more susceptible to disease, including ich infestations. For more information about Calcium and KH, please see this article: CALCIUM, MAGNESIUM, & KH

IN AQUARIUMS A healthy, cycled aquarium with a steady temperature and a KH above 80 ppm is less likely to develop ich, or when it does, a healthy aquarium will have a less serious and more easily treatable infestation.

TREATMENT: There are many ways to treat ich infestations in freshwater, less in saltwater, but not all treatments are equal or can be used for all types of fish or all aquatic environments. I will only discuss the options I prefer to use in my maintenance business or in my personal aquariums. For freshwater a Malachite Green/ Formalin combination has generally been the most effective for moderate to severe infestations. Quick Cure is good product with this combination of medications. Malachite Green by itself as in Nox Ich is also effective in moderate infestations. Other treatments of note are copper sulfate and Quinine Sulfate or Hydrochloride. For scale-less or delicate fish use Malachite Green at half dose. The safest treatment for scale-less fish is Quinine Hydrochloride, but this is less effective than other treatments, although it can be combined with half strength Malachite Green for more effectiveness. For mild to moderate infestations (even some severe) I also use Medicated Wonder Shells as these products have Malachite Green (lower levels safe for most delicate fish), acriflavin, and small amounts of methylene blue (not enough to affect bio filtration) and copper. What is best about these Medicated Wonder Shells is that they also add electrolytes, calcium and maintain a proper KH, which is very important for treatment with Malachite Green as this medication is more toxic at lower pH and KH. One more treatment option is a hospital tank with a Sponge Filter and no gravel. Methylene Blue works well here, but so do ALL of the above treatments as well.

For saltwater Cryptocaryon I do not recommend Formalin. Malachite Green is relatively safe for saltwater fish and some invertebrates such as crabs and even some anemones, but definitely NOT for cephalopods. Malachite Green is not as effective a treatment as it is in freshwater applications for ich infestations. Quinine Sulfate or Hydrochloride is also relatively safe for most fish, but not invertebrates. Metronidazole can also be used for marine ich infestations and is safe for many invertebrates (NOT ALL! So use with caution), but again is relatively ineffective for ich (Cryptocaryon) treatment. Copper sulfate is still the most effective way to treat in Cryptocaryon saltwater, but copper (especially chelated) can be hard to remove from your system once used and is deadly to invertebrates. There is a marine version of the Medicated Wonder Shells which only contains Malachite Green, this product is mildly to moderately effective for marine ich (Cryptocaryon). For saltwater fish, prevention is still the best cure, such as UV Sterilization. Also a quarantine tank for new fish and a hospital tank for sick fish are also beneficial. If a hospital tank is available (bare tank with a sponge filter), a treatment with Methylene Blue and or copper is advisable.

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&quotDesigner&quot Or Mixed Breed Dogs

Posted by Snoop Dog | Cat and Dog | Tuesday 29 July 2008 5:15 pm

Designer dogs are the up and coming rage among Hollywood and dog lovers alike. Dogs like the puggle (pug beagle), the cockapoo aka cockerpoo or spoodle(cocker-spaniel poodle), the labradoodle (Labrador retriever poodle), the peekapoo (pekingnese poodle) and the Schnoodle (Schnauzer Poodle) are growing ever more popular today than ever before. Why are these mutts so big right now?

1.Cute Names Designer dogs have cute names that people love and make the appearance of a new breed of dog that very few have heard of. For example: the puggle.

2.Great for those with allergies Unlike some purebred dogs, designer dogs are often bred to reduce the amount of allergens they produce by not having an undercoat.

3.Sheds less Some designer dogs are bred to shed less than other dogs.

4.Genetic advantage – Believed to be less prone to inbreeding, the designer dog is thought to have better temperaments and also thought to be smarter and more trainable than their purebred counter parts.

Controversy surrounding these dogs have made purebred dog owners enraged. Its bad for there business and the qualities listed above only hold true in specific cases. The designer dog fad has also had its fallbacks.

1.Bad breeding bad breeding leads to unwanted dogs. Many people want to produce a designer dog without doing back-ground checks and without the skills needed to do so.

2.Bad owners Some believe that just because they bought a designer dog means that they dont need to train, care for or love their pet as much. This couldnt be further from the truth. Designer dogs need just as much care and attention as all other dogs do, if not more.

3.More expensive the price for these dogs have sky-rocketed sometimes hit the $1,000 mark. Sometimes its better just to go to the humane society or animal shelter and find a perfectly fine dog. The shots and care for these dogs can make their prices higher as well.

Dont get me wrong, these are wonderful pets. However, they need wonderful owners as well. Love and care and proper healthcare and grooming are essential for a happy life-long companion. If you would like to keep your costs and concerns down when purchasing a designer dog I suggest that you check its breeding history and do temperament tests as well as get them screened for certain common genetic disorders such as hip-dysplasia and retinal atrophy. Proper preparation and responsible habits lead to a great dog.

Gage Killian – pet enthusiast, web publisher
http://www.cockapoodog.info
http://www.puggleluv.com
http://www.caninefacts.com

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Your Toy Puppy’s First Checkup And Settling In

Posted by Snoop Dog | Cat and Dog | Tuesday 29 July 2008 1:14 pm

Try not to take your new puppy to the vet the very first day you bring him home. Allow your new toy puppy to get acquainted with its new family, home and surroundings. Do take your toy puppy to the vet within 48 to 72 hours and begin to establish a rapport between the vet and your new puppy.

You will want to make sure youve purchased a healthy puppy. If your vet finds disease or a defect the breeder was not aware of your health guarantee may warrant a return of the puppy for a full refund or exchange within a certain amount of time.

It is important to spend time with your new toy puppy during the first week in his new home. Exercise will be important. Make sure you are also having fun and building a bond of trust. Play games together. Puppies love to run after toys you toss and bring them back to you. The more your new toy puppy focuses on you, the easier it will be to train him later.

Have a collar and leash ready to put on your new toy puppy for times you take him out. Toy dogs can be accidentally injured or killed by children or adults who might drop them, or step on them. Provide adequate supervision for the toy puppy at all times.

Expose your toy puppy to all the normal day-to-day noises in your household such as television, radio, the telephone ringing. Introduce your toy puppy to the rest of canine household. You want your new toy puppy to be accepted as a new family member. Do not bring your toy puppy inside to invade your other dogs turf until they have been properly introduced on neutral ground (belonging to neither of them at the moment). If you have more than one other canine to introduce to the new member, introduce them all one on one, to each of the others one at a time. Just as you would give lots of attention to your first-born when brining home a new baby, be sure to give lots of praise to your other dogs when in the presence of a new puppy. Pat the dog. Pat the puppy.

When the older dog or dogs show a caring, gentle reaction to the new toy puppy, praise them for their good behavior. Dont let anyone feel left out at anytime. You want to create one big happy family. Let them spend time together in the beginning under your close supervision.

Depending on the season you bring your new toy puppy home, have on hand all his special clothes. For example, if it is spring or summer, have lightweight, cotton t shirts, shirts or dresses. If it is cold weather have coats hats, sweaters and fleece t shirts readily available for inside and outside. Dressing your toy puppy can help create a healthy bond between you and your new toy puppy. Consider having several stylish collars, leashes and accessories.

Connie Limon is a Shih Tzu breeder. Buy Designer dog clothes especially for the toy breeds, coats, sweater and fleece t shirts in a variety of colors and styles at: http://www.littleguysdogclothesshop.com

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Yorkshire Terrier: Finding Your Breed And A Breeder

Posted by Snoop Dog | Cat and Dog | Tuesday 29 July 2008 9:15 am

The Yorkie, nickname for the Yorkshire Terrier is affectionately called by its devoted owners and is a pleasure to live with. Content to be stroked and petted, your Yorkshire Terrier will take up residence on your lap whenever possible. Yorkies have a keen sense of adventure. They are brave and loyal and seem to be oblivious to their size – or definite lack thereof. The Yorkshire Terrier has been in the top 10 most registered with the AKC for the last several years.

These dogs need minimal space and are perfect if you live in a smaller space like an apartment. Yorkshire Terriers will also get along well with small children. They can be possessive and you should always exercise caution when you introduce your Yorkie to your child. Well trained Yorkies will have no problem adjusting to family life. Yorkies are also excellent dogs to have with cats.

If you have already decided that you want a Yorkie then there are various things you can do to make sure you get the best possible puppy.

Make sure you have a clear idea of exactly what you want before you start looking for a breeder. There are many things you will want to make sure of like deciding whether you want a male or a female puppy. Would you prefer a dominant or quiet puppy? Your lifestyle and resources will play a large role in your choices.

If you are wanting a Yorkie puppy it is recommended that you steer clear of pet store puppies. They are often bred in poor circumstances and have not had enough interaction with their siblings. You could end up with a sickly, badly socialized Yorkie.

Choosing a reputable Yorkie breeder is important even if you don’t plan to show the puppy. Problems that you will find is the puppy may be inbred or the fancy terms used by certain breeders is called linebreeding. The pet the problems associated with choosing a half-bred or worse is a cruelly bred puppy can cause your family a lot of heartache later. Just like any other big decision research is one of the most significant ways in which you can be sure you are committing to the best breeder.

Does the breeder offer a health certificate, vaccinations and other paperwork like the registration documents? The health certificate is the most important paperwork because they can only be issued by a licensed veterinarian. To get the health certificate the vet must exam the puppy and if there is something seriously wrong with the puppy the vet wont issue the health certificate. Be prepared to pay extra for the health certificate as most breeders charge extra for this.

Another thing to consider is there a health guarantee. A health guarantee is needed in case some were to happen a year down the road. Buying from the newspaper just doesnt offer this. Most of the time its 48 hours and thats it. If something were to happen to your puppy a week later most will say, it’s your puppy now. The standard guarantee on the internet is a replacement guarantee up to a year. However a year is not really a long enough time for some genetic type defects. If possible look for someone that offers a guarantee longer then that.

Buying on internet may cost a little more but it is well worth the investment. If having a happy, healthy puppy and a good guarantee doesnt matter to you then buy from the newspaper. However beware the newspaper has a reputation of where puppy millers and backyard breeders sell their puppies. Are you willing to take the risk and deal with the heartache later? It can be a terrible thing for a family to go through especially if you have children. A guarantee gives you a little peace of mind.

Yorkies are amongst some of the cutest puppies on earth. They are so tiny you can put them in your pocket and nobody will be the wiser. Enjoy your puppy and make sure you spend enough time bonding with your Yorkies and you can be assured of many healthy, happy years with your dog.

Steve is the owner of All My Puppies Online and also has a casino review website at All Best Bets Visit his blog at Doggie Blog

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